The town council in Lewes has confirmed it is closely monitoring Pells Lake after a spell of extreme hot weather left water levels unusually low and placed local wildlife under pressure. Council officers say they are working to assess water quality, remove debris exposed by the falling level and protect the fish and plants that depend on the lake.
Council asks public to avoid entering the water
Councillors have urged members of the public not to wade into the lake, after reports that people were stepping in to pick up litter. A council spokesperson said there are safety reasons for that guidance in addition to ecological concerns.
“We understand this is a well‑intentioned plan, but there are sound reasons for not doing this, not least of all from a safety perspective to individuals.”
What the council is doing now
Officials say water is being added from the same source that feeds the nearby Pells Pool, but the boost to the lake’s level has so far been minimal. The council warned that a very large volume of water would be required to restore levels to those seen at other times of year.
- Monitoring of water levels and wildlife is ongoing.
- Removal of surface debris has been undertaken where safe.
- One dead fish was found and removed; officers say the incident is under observation.
- A professional silt sample has been taken and the council is awaiting analysis before further disturbance.
Plants, floating islands and biodiversity concerns
Work on the lake’s floating planting islands has been affected: one island was removed after plants were damaged and displaced. The council noted those islands had been refurbished in spring to help oxygenate the water and support biodiversity.
Cllr Matthew Bird, chair of the council’s Buildings and Amenities Committee, described management of the lake as a complex matter and said councillors had already been taking measures to protect wildlife. The town council highlighted that waterbodies across the country are under increasing stress as the climate changes.
| Issue | Action taken | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Low water levels | Top‑up from same source as Pells Pool | Minimal effect so far |
| Debris and exposed silt | Limited removal; silt sampled for analysis | Awaiting results |
| Damaged floating island plants | One island removed; spring refurbishment noted | Completed |
| Public safety | Advisory issued not to enter the lake | Ongoing |
Residents who use the Pells — for walking, recreation and wildlife watching — will see the immediate effects of the low water, including exposed margins and reduced plant cover. The council has indicated further action will depend on the results of the silt analysis and on availability of resources to protect water quality and the lake’s ecology.
For now the message from the town council is clear: please do not enter the water, avoid disturbing the lake bed, and report any concerns to the council so officers can prioritise interventions as information becomes available.
